Delaware governor nominates two for Cabinet posts

Now in his second term, Delaware Governor Jack Markell announced nominations for two Cabinet posts in his administration today, including a familiar name in law enforcement.

Retired Delaware State Police Superintendent, Col. Robert Coupe, has been tapped to serve as the state's Commissioner of Correction.

“Colonel Coupe is a proven manager, well-respected leader, and people person,” said Gov. Markell. “He earned accolades throughout his Division for creating a climate of trust through open and honest communication and transparency. I am pleased Colonel Coupe may continue to serve the state as a Cabinet Secretary with a critical public safety role."

With 28 years of service under his belt, Col. Coupe served as head of the DSP from July 2009 until December 2012.

“I am humbled by the Governor's nomination and the confidence he has placed in me and excited at the possibility to again serve the State of Delaware,” said Col. Coupe. “If confirmed by the Senate as Commissioner, I would be honored to serve with the men and women of the Department of Correction.”

Markell also named Jennifer Ranji to head up the state's Dept. of Services for Children, Youth and Families. DSCYF provides services to abandoned, neglected and abused children, among other things. Ranji served as an educational policy advisor to the governor for three years, leading the way in the state's Race to the Top and Early Childhood Race to the Top initiatives. An attorney, she also worked closely with DSCYF and represented domestic violence and child abuse victims, pro bono, when she was in private practice.

“Jennifer has been engaged with family, child protection and education issues, as an advocate and policy expert,” said Gov. Markell. “Her work ethic is unparalleled. Jennifer carries the credentials as well as the compassion needed to lead an agency that cares for some of the most vulnerable among us.”

“I am truly honored by Governor Markell's nomination of me for the Secretary of the State Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families,” said Ranji. “Having worked as the Governor's Education Policy Advisor, I know first-hand the commitment that this Governor and Administration have to ensuring that every child in Delaware has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. I am, therefore, particularly excited to be nominated to lead the efforts of an agency whose work is critically important to that goal.”

Coupe and Ranji, if confirmed, will take the reigns from Carl Danberg and Vivian Rapposelli, respectively, who will serve on Delaware's judiciary.

Danberg was confirmed as a judge for the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas and Rapposelli as a Superior Court judge.

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